‘This is not Baghdad’
In the midst of Golden City Council’s April 3 study session, the council chambers shook from a loud boom. The room went silent and people began looking around the room, confused.
“This is not Baghdad,” City Manager Mike Bestor reassured everyone. “This is E-Days.”
The Colorado School of Mines E-Days (Engineering Days) got off to a bang, rattling City Hall and drowning out the councilors for more than 30 minutes with a huge fireworks display. Several attendees left the meeting to view the fireworks, one of whom commented, “Now that’s shock and awe for you.”
Tourist park raises concerns
Councilman Dave Shuey raised concerns over proposed Ordinance No. 1616, which designates some old cabins at Big Tree mobile home park as historic structures. The historic area, which was documented by local historian Richard Gardner for owner Jenny Reed, would be named Golden Tourist Park.
“I have a concern that people are doing this to preserve Big Tree trailer park,” Shuey said. “I don’t want the public to be misled on this, because I think this may be interpreted by some as their way of dealing with the manufactured homes ordinance.”
City Planning Director Steve Glueck said historic designation in Golden wouldn’t allow it to supercede city code, such as a proposed ordinance for setbacks and other safety concerns in mobile home parks.
Museums may bring lodging tax
After hearing a presentation on a new comprehensive plan for the city’s three museums, they’ve been sent back to the drawing board. The council told Clear Creek History Park, Astor House Museum and Pioneer History Museum that they “couldn’t have come at a worse time because of the economy,” in the words of Mayor Chuck Baroch. He also criticized the museums’ plan to fund-raise for two back-to-back capital campaigns.
Shuey said he was bothered by an inference made in the museums’ plan that “the city’s not doing it’s part,” he said, referring to several comparisons between the level of Golden’s funding for its museums and other cities.
Councilman Dave Ketchum recommended the museums come back with the language they would like to see the council refer to the ballot to initiate a lodging tax for the museums.
“I think your lodging tax is going to be a hard sell, especially with the lodgers unless there’s a direct benefit to them,” Shuey said.
The museums’ plan asserted that they directly benefit lodgers and other downtown Golden merchants by drawing in substantial numbers of tourists.
Tower argument radiates
The Lake Cedar Group, who wants to put one big tower on Lookout Mountain in place of several others, and opponents including Canyon Area Residents for the Environment brought the argument before the City Council for the first time. Presentations were limited to 10 minutes each in anticipation of ongoing controversy.
The Lake Cedar Group presented its new model of the visual changes the proposal would create on the mountain. But opponents argued that it’s the unseen impacts that they fear, many of which they say involve serious health risks.
The City council asked staff to create a resolution for and against the proposal and put it on the April 24 agenda. Baroch said he intends to have the resolution read in front of the Jefferson County Commissioners before they make their decision.
Welch Ditch fix discussed
City Attorney Jim Windholz presented his findings on and discussions with the attorney for the company that formerly operated the Welch Ditch. The company intends to quit claim deed the now-empty ditch to residents along it, thus relinquishing itself of all responsibility.
Mayor Baroch expressed frustration that the company, who has operated the ditch since the 1870s, could just up and leave. The abandonment has left the city wondering whether to get involved with potential property line disputes along the ditch, as well as what to do about many large trees that are dying from a lack of water in the ditch.
The council is considering paying about $7,000 to conduct a survey of the property ownership. Councilman Bob Nelson will be gathering the ditch’s neighbors to discuss possible solutions.
Golf course fees proposed
Parks and Recreation Superintendent Charlie Fagan unveiled the proposed rates for Fossil Trace Golf Club when it opens Aug. 4. If passed, to play 18-holes, a Golden resident would pay $36 Mondays through Thursdays, and $40 Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays; a Jefferson County resident would pay $41 Mondays through Thursdays, and $45 Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays; and a non-Jefferson County resident would pay $46 Mondays through Thursdays and $50 Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.
Seniors and juniors would receive $8 off a regular 18-hole green fee Mondays through Thursdays and pay regular rates weekends. A golf cart for 18-holes would run $14 including tax. The proposed rates are $1 more than Fox Hollow golf course on weekdays, and $5 more on weekends.
Baroch expressed concern that the rates are different for Jefferson County and Golden residents. Ketchum said he’d like the junior rates decreased.
The council will vote on a resolution setting the rates April 10.